Maldonado exit opens Williams door for Massa – reports

Pastor Maldonado’s exit at Williams could pave the way for Felipe Massa, the Brazilian newspaper O Estado de S.Paulo is reporting.

Correspondent Livio Oricchio claims talks between Venezuelan Maldonado’s management and sponsors, and bosses of the Grove based team, are taking place now.

The 28-year-old has reportedly run out of patience at Williams, despite the fact his powerful sponsors PDVSA remain under contract to the British team.

Williams admits it has a problem.

“I’ve never seen a racing car that reacts so little to modifications,” veteran team manager Dickie Stanford told Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport, referring to the FW35 that has powered Maldonado to just a single point in 2013.

One unnamed team member, however, said 2012 Spanish grand prix winner Maldonado has also been part of the problem.

“He still makes too many mistakes,” the team member is quoted as saying.

“In Korea, we told him repeatedly in the last stint to take care of the right front and, if possible, stay out of the battles.

“But what did he do? Drives like a madman and ruins his tyres within three laps.”

Maldonado also reportedly infuriated team bosses when he forced past teammate Valtteri Bottas in the final corner of the last lap in Japan, for a mere 16th place.